Alexander Wyvill

First Theology
North American College
Home Parish: St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Leonardtown

Avid rock climber; has completed several major ascents including Yosemite's El Capitan and Italy's Cima Grande.

My life before the seminary:

I attended St. Mary's Ryken High School, where I began to take ownership of my faith through personal prayer and spiritual direction. I then attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, majoring in Philosophy and German. My faith grew tremendously in college, thanks to an excellent campus ministry and Christ-centered friendships. Besides falling in love with Christ, I also grew in my love of outdoorsmanship, and spent many weekends camping, rock climbing and fly fishing with my friends. After graduating, I went camping and rock climbing in Yosemite National Park for thirty days, completing several multi-day climbs. I had to sleep in a hanging tent, which was quite memorable!

What convinced me to enter the seminary:

I began the practice of frequent spiritual direction with a priest starting in my junior year of high school. This held me accountable to continual growth in my prayer life. As I deepened in prayer, I began to seriously discern God's call in my life. Through many twists and turns, I experienced a stable of sense of peace around the thought of entering seminary. I decided to give it "an honest shot," and entered seminary upon graduation. From the moment I set foot in the seminary, that peace has deepened and matured into a deep assurance of my calling to the priesthood. There was no "magic moment" where I felt the call; rather, it has been a steady walk with Jesus that has left me happier than I've ever been.

Other interests include:

Aside from outdoorsmanship, I love playing the piano, guitar and drums. I also enjoy calligraphy, sports, brewing craft coffee and filmmaking.

A calling to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ is one of the most beautiful gifts that a Catholic man can receive.